5 Memorable NASCAR Rides

4 - No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevy Monte Carlo

Introduced: 1999

Legendary race car driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. is to NASCAR what Ayrton Senna is to Formula 1. Dale "The Intimidator" Earnhardt was a fan favorite for his aggressive driving and his dedication to the sport, making his italicized No. 3 and his black color-schemed NASCAR ride instantly recognizable. Even at the age of 49 and with his son on the tarmac, The Intimidator proved a worthy opponent, just barely missing his eighth championship in the 2000 season.

With Earnhardt's shocking death in 2001, NASCAR would never be the same. Not only was a great motorsport icon gone, but intense public outcry over safety issues prompted the sanctioning body to make sweeping changes to both the cars and the tracks. The oval courses are now fitted with SAFER steel and foam padding, and the safety-conscious Cars of Tomorrow will make their debut in March 2007.

5 - NASCAR Avenger

To be introduced: 2007

In the wake of heavily publicized crashes, NASCAR spent five years creating guidelines for safer, less expensive vehicles that are now known as the Cars of Tomorrow. These next-gen NASCAR rides feature a taller greenhouse, detachable rear wings (a feature not seen since the 1970 Plymouth Superbird), and more cushioning space between the fender and driver.

The changes have been heavily debated by longtime followers of the motorsport, with detractors arguing that the more upright windshields and boxier bumpers have made the vehicles less like sports cars. In spite of increased drag, the cars boast better handling than their current counterparts. And they're not poky by any standard. Case in point: The upcoming Dodge Avenger is powered by a 5.9-liter Magnum V8 that generates over 725 horsepower. The first venue to see these cars in action will be the Bristol Motor Speedway on March 25, 2007.